For those who frequent Old Trafford will know there are a few matchday traditions Manchester United have on match day.
Everyone will have their own traditions on matchday, but when proceedings are underway for Manchester United, there is just one way to go about it.
Sitting in your seat, the music that plays around Old Trafford is often something that helps create core memories, and as a result, the songs used are often intrinsically linked with the club.
Right before kick-off, there is a rendition of ‘United Road’, which is a remix of the famous ‘Take me home, country roads’ song, which is sung right before kick-off.
However, there is another song synonymous with United and Gary Neville played a key part in making it happen.
- READ MORE: Who is Gary Neville? Step into the world of the Manchester United legend turned top-tier pundit
Gary Neville was behind Manchester United adopting ‘This is the One’
Being an academy graduate, Neville is a United legend, and he understands the club deeply due to being from the area.
Neville was made captain in 2005, following the exit of Roy Keane, and following this, he made it clear a new song was needed, as he explained to the United website last year.
“When the manager made me captain and I knew I’d be leading the team out, I wanted a new song. I wanted us to come out to a song from Manchester.
“I just loved ‘This Is the One.’ It felt to me like Old Trafford was the place where it all happened, and I’d heard enough about Oasis for years. Manchester has got a better band than Oasis.
“The Stone Roses had a massive impact on the city. The song has stood the test of time, but United help keep it alive every single week.
“When I’m up there now on the TV gantry and John Squire’s guitar starts to play, that moment still gives me goosebumps. If you’re a United fan and you hear that song starting, you know it’s time for the match to start.”
Since this time, ‘This is the One’ has been synonymous with United, and it’s hard to imagine a game without the song.
Jonny Evans and Wes Brown praised this decision for Manchester United
Neville’s claim over his role was backed up as Jonny Evans pointed out the right-back’s role in the decision.
“The song makes me feel at home and it is so synonymous with the tunnel for me… when the beat first kicks in, that feeling.
“I always remember when Gary Neville had Ian Brown singing it as he came out for his testimonial, it was actually pretty emotional. Gary was responsible for bringing this song to Old Trafford. I know he’s a big fan of The Stone Roses.
“When you have such a huge band like that coming from Manchester, it’s something to be proud of. It’s a ritual for the guys on a matchday. It is Manchester United’s anthem.”
Additionally, Wes Brown loved the decision to choose the Stone Roses’ song.
“There was a great vibe around the city when I was growing up”, Brown explained.
“Everywhere you went, there was music, and The Stone Roses were a big part of it. I’ve met the band a few times… when I’ve seen Ian [Brown] and Mani, it’s good because it makes me put my Manc accent back on!
“They are great lads and massive United fans. For the players, the song means it’s focus time, and it makes you want to win. It’s the first thing you hear when you go out and step on the pitch. You look at the lads around you and you want to go out and win the game, for the fans first of all.”
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